Winkbras

ENTER OUR CONTEST AND WIN

2012-01-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

Wink Intimates is having a contest! Best 9to5 outfit!

Send us a picture of you in your favorite outfit with your 9to5 Bra, if you're not too shy, send us the picture of the outfit before you had the 9to5 Bra, along with your comment. We will review all pictures sent in and will ship a free 9to5 Bra including Free Shipping to anywhere in North America to the best use of the 9to5 Bra.

Please include your picture, your email address and send it to andrea@winkintimates.com

Contest ends January 31, 2012.

Here is an example of one of my favorite dresses, with the 9to5.

Wink Intimates Moves to The US

2011-05-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Time to take the Wink Intimates brand to the US. Wink Intimtes has a new distributor in the US. This will allow us to fulfill orders faster and more efficiently. As well as facilitate a very simple return and exchange system for our US cutomers.

Since the Oprah magazine article came out in February we have been crazy busy. Of course we expected that, what we hadn't anticipated was the number of US orders. What Oprah says goes... thank you Oprah and Adam Glassman.

We have worked through the logistics and the benefits of having a distributor in the US are many.

We look forward to a great relationship with our new distributor and continued growth for Wink Intimates.

Oprah and Busty Women

2011-03-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you Oprah and Adam Glassman!

Its been 3 weeks since the March issue of Oprah magazine hit the shelves. The impact was immediate. As a Canadian company we've been happy to have had lots of support from Canadian customers since we launched. We hadn't really reached the US market. Thanks to the article in Oprah magazine we are definitely on the radar of the American consumer.

We are thrilled to have sent product to all across North America including Hawaii and Alaska. We've had calls from the UK and the Netherlands. Oprah's audience is far are wide and when Oprah speaks people listen.

I'm not sure how you thank someone for that type of support, a thank you note seems inadequate. We've received so much business as a direct result of the article. Its not just the numbers, its the seal of approval that we will have for years to come. An editorial piece by Adam Glassman - Oprah's Creative Director. It was direct and to the point.

Thank you Adam!

The Good the Bad and the Not So Pretty

2010-11-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago I was asked to speak at the Women for Women event called the Good the Bad and the Not So Pretty. I was asked to speak about my experiences as a female entrepreneur on a panel with 2 very successful business women, Jane Cayley and Cynthia Richards. I was honoured to have been asked. The event was held at the Gardener Museum Cafe, which was a lovely venue and the room itself was beautiful. Floor to ceiling windows with views of the city. The event put on by Soberman Chartered Accountants was so well thought out and organized I was very impressed.

I'm not really nervous about public speaking, but just before it started I do get a case of nervousness, an adrenalin that sweeps through my body. The same feeling just before I walked onto the set of the Dragons' Den to face the dragons. These were no dragons they were lovely supportive, inquisitive women. The energy in the room was like none I had experienced. The event was an event for women, close to 200 of them. They were there to hear our stories, to be inspired by us to find out what its really like to be an entrepreneur. As they said the good the bad and the not so pretty.

When you speak about yourself and your life its amazing the things you realize about your self. Firstly I don't think of it often, but the reality is that I started this business in the worst economic times that has been experienced since the great depression. A new product, a bra, an online business, a business completely new to me. And when asked by a member of the audience if I thought I was a risk taker, I quickly answered "no, I'm not a risk taker" Jane, one of the panelists, a psychologist quickly spoke up and said she felt I was a risk taker, to stand up to the Dragon's and push back on national television, to stand before a room of successful women and speak showed that I was a risk taker.

It got me thinking about a couple of things. The economy in which this business started. It got me thinking about standing in front of the Dragons, and although I feel the fear, it hasn't stopped me from doing things. I don't purposely stand in harms way and look away, I don't take chances by skydiving or bungee jumping, but I guess in some peoples opinion I am very much a risk taker.

But is it a risk when you really believe in what you are doing?

Also asked what is the one piece of advise you would give to someone considering starting a business. My answer is believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself the fear diminishes, it doesn't go away entirely, but there's just a hint of it there, enough to keep you out of harms way. What stops women from starting their own business I was asked. My first thought is fear. Fear of losing a guaranteed income, fear of losing benefits and financial stability and security. Fear of risk, it is a risk, there is no guarantee you will succeed. So believing in yourself in my opinion is the only way you could ever do it. If you don't believe that you have the ability to make a success of it, you would never try it, you can't stop believing in yourself for a moment, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You've got to be tough.

The event was a great success and afterward there was quite a crowd of women who gathered to ask me questions and wanted to talk about the risks and how I got started. We chatted for quite a while, what stood out to me was that this group of women whom I never met before and probably won't again, would be so supportive and even more than that they were inspired by what I had said. They said they felt stronger to go on and tackle the things in their life that they hadn't tackled.

The ability to motivate others was a remarkable feeling. Kind letters, emails and phone calls from women I had never met before was flattering but very encouraging for me as well.

One last comment, I was asked how do you define success. As an afterthought, being asked to speak to such a wonderful group of women will be one of the moments that define success for me.

2010-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

What's the Hidden Message for Wink Intimates?

Have you ever wondered why something could happen this way? Is there a hidden message? The story about my lost bras and lost opportunity for the Oprah Show is definitely one of those times when you can't say "something better will happen as a result of this" Whats bigger? What's better than the Oprah show for a business like Wink Intimates. To be on a "must have" list on the Oprah show is a dream come true. As a result of this missed opportunity, I'm forced to ask, is there some deeper meaning to this? Is there a lesson to be learned?

There is a mourning period when you lose something, and a lost opportunity requires the same, I haven't been Suzy Sunshine since this big fiasco. I'm working on getting my mojo back, and its creeping back but I'm still not quite there.

Perhaps if I hadn't spent hours on hold with Fed Ex and Canada Post this week, things would be different today. Even more shocking was the call this morning from Fed Ex saying they won't release the package back to me that was headed to Chicago to the Oprah show until they receive payment for the return.

I'm sill dealing with the aftermath and I have to whether I want to or not. I have a package with 32 9to5 Bras and Shapes sitting in customs in Memphis that Fed Ex won't release back to me. I've been bounced back and forth from Canada Post to Fed Ex this week. Such a waste of time, but in order to get a refund for the shipping and get my package back, this is what needed to be done.

So back to the lesson, what is the hidden message. The only thing I can come up with is that we aren't in control of everything, we can't be. Sure I could have jumped on a place and flew the parcel to Chicago and had someone take the other to New York. But don't we have a system in place for that? Can't we trust in the system. Is it really feasible to spend a day and thousands of dollars to hand deliver a package. Of course hindsight is 20/20 and now I can say, yes I should have done that, yes it would have been worth it. But I didn't know it would get lost, I didn't know there would be terrorists planting bombs going to Chicago at the same time. So much beyond my control, so you really can't control everything. Our sensible selves knows and understand that, but the warrior thinks we can.

I try not to set myself up for disappointment, I don't count my chickens till they've hatched, but this chicken was in labour, this chicken was about to drop the golden egg. It was disappointing and at the same time, knowing that I'm on their radar at the Oprah show is more than I ever expected.

So onward and upward. I didn't come this far being a quitter. On go the boxing gloves and Monday morning I'm ready for anything that comes my way!

Wink Intimates partners with The Shopping Channel

2010-10-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce that Wink Intimates products will be available on the Shopping Channel.

Its amazing how things work out, it was over a year ago I first went to an open call for the Shopping Channel.

Now a year later Wink Intimates 9to5 Bra, 9to5 Shape and Lacie boy shorts will be avaible at both Winkintimates.com and TheShoppingChannel.com

Alot of interesting things happening at Wink Intimates.

I hope to have some exciting announcements soon.

This fall again, there is no shortage of great dresses and shirts that need the 9to5 Bra. Cleavage is great, but typically not from 9to5.

We have a new manufacture and the product quality is fabulous! I'm so proud of the products. We have all products available in black and white, which have been most popular. Trying to keep it simple and offer what people want.

We will add some additional sizes, just working on that now. Look forward to seeing DD E and EE in the near future and the addition of 40 band size.

Shopping - Give it your Best Shot!

2010-07-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Most women love to shop, some not so much. The question is why is it a great experience for some women and others loathe it?

A few things I've noticed when I'm shopping. I never did it with intent, but I guess I did it to feel my best, and isn't that what we want? To feel good.

First of all when I go shopping I try to look good when I'm heading out the door. If I go out looking raggedy then anything I try on is an improvement and its easy to make purchase mistakes. On the other hand if you show up to shop looking good, then anything you try on should look at least as good as you already look or better. You've just raised the standard from the starting blocks.

When you're trying on clothes here are a few things that will make the experience better. Wear shoes that will look good with the type of clothes your trying on, if your trying on evening dresses then flip flops will make the whole outfit a flop. A little heel just makes everything look better and you feel better about the overall look.

If your trying on dresses, please take off the knee socks. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've seen it, women trying on dreses in the winter with wool knee socks. Who could look decent in a dress with knee socks, if you're trying to fail you will. If you truly want success dress the part, even when you shop.

If you wear a little make up, touch up your lipstick, brush your hair, make yourself look great before you look in the mirror and step out under the bright lights and often unforgiving mirrors.

I like to shop in stores that have mirrors that flatter, not mirrors that make you wonder, am I coming down with the flu, I look terrible?

It all seems so simple, but the reality is, I've shopped with many women who don't do the basics to make the experience as good as it can be.

It doesnt' matter whether your a size 4 or a size 14, find clothes that flatter. I used to think if I tried something on and it didn't look good, that it was me. I've changed my mind, if I try on something and it looks awful, I think, its a bad design or it just wasn't designed for a figure like mine. I've taken the blame off myself and carry on to the next outfit to find a design that works for my body.

Colour is huge too, know what looks good on you and do your best not to stray away from what you know works for you. If the colour looks great, you'll wear it more and feel great wearing it.

Last by not least, undergarments are key. You need to wear or bring the appropriate undergarment to your shopping extravaganza. If you think you might need strapless bring it. Otherwise you'll take home the dress and realize that even with the strapless bra, its a flop. Panty lines are meant not to be seen. Make sure you wear panties that won't show VPL visible panty lines. Whether its a thong, a boy short or a full panty, they are all available in no VPL fabrics and designs.

Shopping can make us feel great or feel terrible, try your best to make the experience one that makes you feel good about yourself. Lets face it, whether we like it or not, we have to shop, we have to find outfits for events, or just day to day living, so live it up and have fun with it!

Lane Bryant thanks women everywhere with 40% off Cacique lingerie at www...

2010-05-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Power of PR

2010-05-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Oprah's favourite things, that's the list the be on for sure. Its amazing how PR in general can turn a company upside down with sales in a split second.
Making the top 10 list of Oprah's favourite things, takes companies from 20 hits a day on a site to 17,000 hits a day, including matching sales. So what's not to love about Oprah's top 10 list.

PR is a remarkable vehicle for business. The concept of a writer choosing to write a story about your product or service is the greatest compliment the results are immediate and long lasting. People read a magazine and maybe go to there computer and order right away, but maybe they don't, perhaps it sits dormant in their mind and a year later, they do a google search, find the company and place the order.

Its been over a year since Amy Verner, Fashion writer for the Globe and Mail wrote about the 9to5 Bra. "Finally a bra that works as hard as you do", and still the sales come in and are tracked to be a result of Amy's article.

At Wink Intimates we've had great press, every time an article is written, the result is immediate sales. Writers each take their own spin on the product and you never know what they wrote until you see the article in the paper or magazine. There's no point in the same story being told over and over again, so what's the spin this time.

In the media cleavage is getting lots of attention, boobquake, is it possible that women showing too much cleavage could cause an earthquake? Was it wrong of ABC and Fox to pull the commercial for Lane Bryant because it was too provocative? Honestly it was to be aired during Dancing with the Stars where the dancers are wearing the skimpiest outfits and very provocatively dresses, whats so wrong with Lane Bryant's ad, oh yes it was a fuller figured gal, showing large boobs, like full figured gals have. But its ok to air Victoria Secret models in even tinier lingerie? What is the socially acceptable amount of cleavage? Who's the judge? Who did the Lane Bryant ad offend? Not me, sure she was sexy and wearing panties and a bra, the point was to look sexy, but it was in good taste and I'd never heard of Lane Bryant before and look, now I'm talking about it, I'm reading articles about it, so there's a great PR move. It probably wasn't intentional, but now that the ad was pulled, the commercial and brand have been recognized far more than if they had played the commercial.

Controversy can be planned, but in this case its unlikely, but the power of the media is incredible, from journalism to social media, if you really want to be noticed its possible.

Check out the ad and let me know if you think this ad is too sexy for tv?

Customer Service is our Priority at Wink Intimates

2010-05-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Customer Service is number one for Wink Intimates. The most important thing is that my customers are satisfied and happy.

I recently contacted a company asking for a service. I filled out the online form and recieved a reply the next day, which was fine. What was not fine was the lack of formality or manners in the email.

A simple request for a service and what I got back was so effortless it left me not wanting the service any longer.

What does it take to say these few things, first of all say hi Andrea, make it personal, use my name, now I feel connected to the transaction and your company already. Secondly, thank me for taking the time to send the email and ask about the service. That tells me my time is appreciated and I'm feeling warm and fuzzy now. Provide me with the answer to my question and ask if there is anything else you could help with, this makes me feel that I'm not a pest and your happy to help me even if I have a stupid question to ask.

Its amazing that a company can survive without doing any of these things that anyone would think was common sense and common courtesy. Especially when your trying to gain new business from your website.

As a fairly new business I'm pretty in tuned with this concept and will continue to be as Wink Intimates grows. Its basic business.

You usually don't get a complaint after an email like that, why bother, most times we just forget about using this company and take our business elsewhere. What a crime when all that is needed is to make the customer feel like the special and important person that they truly are.

WWW.WINKINTIMATES.COM DOGGIES DANCING

2010-05-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Diane Von Furstenberg Dresses Need a 9to5 Bra

2010-04-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

DVF dresses are great, but many of them need a 9to5 Bra. It was one of the reasons I first decided to create the 9to5 Bra. I had invested in a couple of DVF dresses and wanted to wear them to family events and work events, but they were just too low cut. I wanted a great bra that I could wear under this type of dress that would provide cleavage cover. I don't know what the model above is wearing under this dress, but if it is a tank top, its probably riding up under her dress as she walks the catwalk. If that's the case as sexy as the dress is and as great as the model looks in it, she would feel sexier and more comfortable if she were wearing a 9to5 Bra under the dress.

This is just one example of so many great DVF dresses and blouses that require some extra coverage.

Even if your a B cup, its still too much cleavage for business or family functions.

You can get so much more mileage out of your DVF dresses with the 9to5 Bra. The DVF dresses are investment pieces, and worth every penny when you can maximize the wear factor. Someone once said to me that when she is purchasing a new piece of clothing she looks at the "cost per use" factor. I think that's brilliant! If you can only wear a $500.00 dress twice in a year, that's a pretty expensive dress, its cost per wear is $250.00. If you can take that same dress and now wear it to family events and work, you may have worn that same dress 20 times in a year, your cost per is now $25.00. Now that makes cents!

How to get the 9to5 Bra on the Oprah Show

2010-04-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Spanx became an instant success because Oprah said it was the greatest thing. I consider myself the Canadian Sarah Blakely, just waiting for the phone to ring and hear that I've been invited to one of the big American talk shows, Oprah, Tyra, Rachel Ray Show. I do believe if you visualize it and see it happening it will happen. There have been so many great things that have happened and I believe each one of these great opportunities are preparing me for the one that will knock me off my feet!

Auditioning for the Dragons Den and making it to the taping of the show was the first of many over the top moments. I was so excited when they called and said I was chosen to pitch my story to the dragons. It was an amazing experience and was great for business. Watching the show as it aired, my blackberry started buzzing immediately with a constant stream of sales flowing in. I didn't know what to expect and I was thrilled.

Shortly after that I got a call from Best Health magazine saying they wanted to feature the 9to5 Bra. Again what that did for exposure and business was amazing.

This past week, both Canadian Living and Shape Magazine called and are featuring the 9to5 Bra in summer issues. I really am honoured and ever grateful for the opportunity to be featured in such wonderful publications. The stories are always great and amazingly, no two the same. Every writer puts a different twist on the story and the product.

I don't know what the next big thing will be, but in my sights is the Oprah show. Of course everyone with a new product says the same thing. I believe that one day soon, my phone will ring and it will be the Oprah Show.

In the meantime, I continue to do the day to day tasks that are required to keep things moving along. Sourcing fabrics and findings for Wink Intimates product line. Working on PR, and of course the most important customer service. The most gratifying part of running the business is talking with customers who love the product or love the idea and can't wait to add the 9to5 Bra or Shape to there wardrobe. Who would think you could make a living covering cleavage?

Wink Intimates is in great Shape for Summer

2010-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

When things all come together, you realize all your work and perserverance is worth it. No matter what you do, and no matter how cliche it sounds. Believing in yourself enough to stick to the plan and follow your dream just works.

When you least expect it, something great happens. This week for me it was a call from Shape magazine. I love Shape Magazine. As a personal trainer, fitness enthusiast and lover of fashion, I really enjoy reading Shape. Lots of tips on nutrition, new exercises or a twist on the tried and true and tips on keeping motivated which spills over into every aspect of life. A call from Shape magazine asking for a sample of the 9to5 Bra for a shoot next week for the July issue. That's amazing, the Executive Style Editor of Shape wants to feature the 9to5 Bra for a bra story. When you wake up in the morning you never know what that day is going to bring, but if you just keep on doing what you believe in, there is a payoff. So for this week, the first week of April, I'm excited to have gotten a call from Shape, its an honour to have a great publication showing interest in a product that you created and believe in.

Whether its getting yourself in shape, eating well, committing yourself to doing something that is good for you in the long run, there is a payoff when you truly believe in something and are inspired every day to tell the world about it.

Looking forward to what the rest of April shall bring.

Its great to dream big, but the day to day tasks that seem less exuberant are what make dreams come true.

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.
Now put foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau

Bring the 9to5 Bra into your Spring Wardrobe

2010-04-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

Take a look through your closet and you'll be surprised how much is in there. Its always nice to update a new season look with some funky shoes and maybe a new hairstyle or colour.

Its too easy to go out and buy buy buy... You probably don't need to buy nearly as much as you think you do. Take some time to see what you like, get rid of things you haven't worn in the past year. Its tough to do, we love to hang on to those jeans. When we lose 10 lbs, they'll look great. But if you don't feel good in them, they just make you feel bad hanging in your closet, wishing they fit. So toss them. Love the body that you have right now, dress for the figure you have, find colours that make you look amazing, and get a new hairstyle if your current look is dated and doesn't excite you anymore.

Once you get your clothes sorted out and figure out what's staying and what's taking a trip to Good Will, be sure you have an outfit that makes you feel good for every occassion. A workout outfit, a casual hanging out outfit (jeans and tshirt with some cute shoes) business attire-something a little more conservative for 9to5. The outfit for a baby shower or family event, you should be able to wear this to almost any event. And a sexier evening look for a night out on the town.

Once you've got that figured out, this is where the 9to5 Bra comes into action. You will find that the sexier evening look can be toned down with a 9to5 Bra under it and give you a great polished look, no bulky underpinnings. You can take that casual jeans and tshirt and go for the low cut tshirt or tank for the spring and summer, just update the look with a 9to5 bra under it for that little extra daytime look, and sex it up on its own with a regular tshirt or push up bra, whatever look your after. The bra you choose can make the difference between a conservative look to an over the top sexy look with a push up bra.

We often don't think about how a bra can update or maximize our wardrobe. But once you do start thinking more about the bra you can really make some dramatic changes to your wardrobe.

When I first created the 9to5 Bra, it was percisely this reason, I wanted to wear dresses that I had bought and had worn for an evening look and wear them to a family shower. The truth is when you wear a wrap dress with a regular bra, not matter how busy or small chested you are, its pretty revealing and has its limitations to wear you can wear it.

This is a Diane Von Furstenberg dress with the 9to5 Bra under it. This is the exact dress that inspired me to invent the 9to5 Bra. It nicely covers cleavage so I can now wear it to a shower, to a nice luncheon, to my son's banquet. The money that you can save by purchasing the right undergarment is amazing. Instead of buying 3 different dresses, one dress can take you from work to family function to night on the town, by simply adding the 9to5 Bra.

Spring is a beautiful time to start fresh, to feel like you love what's in your closet. Start with the underthings, panties that are comfy and make you feel sexy and bras that give your bust a great shape and are so comfortable you forget your weraring it it all.

9to5 Bra, Forget About It!!

2010-03-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

9to5 Bra is a girls best friend, so it would seem.

Why would anyone want to burn their bra? According to Tanya Enberg's column Relatively Speaking in 24Hour newspaper, the 9to5 Bra is Tanya's new best friend. Check it out http://eedition.toronto.24hrs.ca/epaper/viewer.aspx

Often hating on bras in general, the poking the pulling the yanking that goes along with wearing many bras. Tanya was happy to try the 9to5 Bra and write about it. She thought she'd wear it throughout a day, to the office, to the gym and everywhere in between. What a great compliment o read in the article that she actually forgot about it. Forget about it, may be the new slogan for Wink Intimates. Isn't that what a bra should do for you, put it on, solve your wardrobe problems and be comfortable enough to just forget its there. She wore it to the gym and writes "like a well-trusted buddy, sticks around and offers solid support. She writes of her experience at work "no pulling or re-adjusting required. Even the under-wire is unobtrusive"

The funny thing is, the title for Tanya's article and the picture accompanying it, would never lead you to believe the article would be about a bra? Its titled "My nemesis meets its match" Although I know what a nemesis is, I thought I better double check the dictionary and see what they say, "Nemesis is now often used as a term to describe one's worst enemy" Yikes, I wonder how many women feel that a bra is their worst enemy. I would bet alot.

The image accompanying the article is of a whole bunch of bras flying in the wind and the caption reads "truth is, if it weren't for sheer vanity, I'd be launching a spectacular bra-burning bonfire and inviting all my friends faster than you can say push-up."

The 9to5 Bra gives women the option of covering up if they want to, it gives them the opportunity to find comfort in their bra and not to be bothered by pinching and pulling their bra, while trying to focus on careers and busy schedules.

I would never suggest that women "should" cover up. I say do what you want to do, if you need an option, here it is, if you're looking for a solution, I've got it. Its called the 9to5 Bra.

Made in Canada

2010-03-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Manufacturing in Canada, there are some real challenges, and I see why so many are compelled to go overseas. The question is, is it any easier there?

As a new business owner, I have felt it important to support the Canadian economy and bring to market a high quality product that offers a solution for women. With the 9to5 Bra and the 9to5 Shape and panties I've been able to achieve both, I recieve many emails thanking me for the solution women have been searching for. I'm thankful for that. I also recieve emails from women who really appreciate and support Canadian made.

The challenge with Canadian made is there are so few left that actually manufacturer in Canada,and when you are as specialized as a specific type of bra, there are even less. Its hard to believe how difficult it is to find these specialized people in Canada, and from what I understand even in the US. Iknow a couple of Americans who come to Canada because there is nobody in the US to do the work for them.

Finding suppliers is again another challenge, who manufacturers fabric, lace, wires etc in Canada. Again in such a specialized field the answer is nobody. Some of these items come from Europe and take forever to recieve.

So the question is, would it be any easier overseas?

You have to be able to keep up with the demand of the product. When a customer orders product, it needs to be available right away. I want to be sure that I have very satisfied customers who have had a great customer experience and love the product. Thus far, I belive I've been able to offer that. But as the business continues to grow the challenges of keeping up with production and supplies is one that continues to change and therefore I have to change along with it.

I'm not sure what direction Wink Intimates will go in, but the goal to offer great customer service and an exceptional product is the driving force no matter what. My name stands behind every order that goes out and my commitment to my customers is number one.

Since I've been talking with large chains, I'm excited at the prospects of where this could go and look forward to an exciting Spring and Summer.

How to get cleavage back

2010-03-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Do you wish you could have your cleavage back? If only you had those pre-baby boobs back. As a personal trainer women often ask how can I get my boobs back? But it hit home with me this weekend. I ran into a friend who was dissatisfied with her post baby bust. I thought she looked great, but she was less than impressed with the disappearing act her boobs and cleavage had taken.

Exercise will help give you back the cleavage that has gone MIA.

Weight training is the key, fill up that zone with muscle and see how much better you look and feel.

Here are the 4 top exercises that will hit the pecs and lift and shape, just like ab exercises act as a corset to your torso, working the pecs acts like a bra in giving back some shape and volume.

Do these exercises 3 times a week, always check with your physician before starting any new exercise program. Most importantly, listen to your body!

Push Up - If your new to this, start on your knees and start with 1 set of 10 reps.
Progress till you can do 10 reps with weight on your hands and feet, graduate from the knees to make this a more challenging exercise. When you can complete 1 set of 10 start working on a second set of 10.

Dumbell Chest Press - on a bench or on the floor, use as much weight as you can press 15 times, start with 1 set of 15 reps. Progress until you can do 3 sets of 15 reps. When that is easy, up the weight.

NOTE: DON'T BE AFRAID OF WEIGHT, IT WON'T BULK YOU UP, WOMEN DON'T BULK UP EASILY

Dumbell Pec Fly - Similar to the Dumbell Chest Press, but the position of the arms are different, your palms are facing in at the top as you lower the weight your arms bend slightly at the bottom, so you look like you could be holding a big ball in your arms at the bottom of the exercise, start with 1 set of 15 reps, work up to 3 sets of 15 reps. Be sure to think about the muscles in your chest while your doing the exercise and give a little squeeze at the top of the exercise and notice your cleavage lift. Its exciting to see the muscles build your chest back.

Decline Dynaband Press and Fly - Get yourself a dynaband, they are elastic bands that are great for strength training, you can do a complete workout with a dynaband. Either standing as in the picture above of lying on the floor. Put the band behind your back, holding it in each hand in front of you at chest height, push the bands in front of your body until your hand meet eachother in a fluid motion in a downward angle. (can also be done as in the picture above with the arms parallel to the floor, but try it pressing down in a downward angle) This works the muscles in the lower part of your chest to give your chest some lift.

Always remember a healthy diet, and some cardio along with an overall strength training program for best results.

If you'd like more tips on training, send me an email at andrea@winkintimates.com

FYI I've worked as a fitenss instructor and personal trainer for over 15 years. I am a CPTN certified personal trainer and am a certifed pilates instructor through Body Harmonics.

Making Corporate Decisions 9to5 Style

2010-03-18T08:25:00.001-07:00

March 2010 is the 1st anniversay of Wink Intimates. Our first year has been a success and we'd like to thank you, our loyal customers, by offering the same great quality at a new lower price.

Its been a wonderful week with Spring in the air, St Patricks Day filling the streets with happy people in green celebrating

At Wink Intimates we're in the mood to celebrate too. You never know how it will go when you being a new business and with all the talk of recession, we are fortunate to have completed our first year and realized that committment and passion for the product will bring success, even in a less than perfect economic environment.

We've provided a quality product that really solves a problem for many women. I get so many emails thanking me, saying this is the solution they've been looking for and its very rewarding to know that all the hard work and perserverance is paying off. Its those lovely thank you's that confirm, what I already knew.

Don't get me wrong, there have been bumps along the way, it hasn't all been a bowl of cherries, but I've never wavered or been unsure that I have a great product and that women need it. So for every climb up these bumps, there's been a fun ride down the other side.

So, thank you to all of you who have supported me through the first year of business!

Andrea

Public Relations for Wink Intimates and the Steven and Chris Show

2010-03-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

I got a call last week from the Producer of CBC's, Steven and Chris show. He said he had seen me when I was on the Dragon's Den last Spring and wondered if I would be interested in coming to CBC to be a fitness model for a fitness segment of the show. I thought it would be fun, and the folks at CBC are a class act. Very friendly and helpful and appreciative when your there. So I said yes last week and today was the taping of the show.

I went down at 10 am, the Smith Brothers who train in Toronto, training celebrities and common folks are preparing to make a video so it was great publicity for them. For myself, I hoped to have yet another opportunity to chat up the 9to5 Bra and gain some more publicity. Its one of those things, you have to work on constantly and its very fruitful if you perservere. There are lots of no's, lots of not now's, but then the, yes we'd love to write an article about the Wink Intimates product line, its wonderful. Free advertising. Its coming from a writer who loves the product and is happy to tell the world that they love the 9to5 Bra. So, every call, every email is worth the effort. And honestly I don't mind doing it, I'm from a sales background so, I have the hunter mentality and enjoy the challenge of it.

The show was fun, we did a few core exercises, planks, fire hydrants, and the dreaded side plank. I am also a pilates instructor and personal trainer and am very familiar with these exercises and I'm not gonna lie, the side plank and me, well we're not on great terms. Its such a tough exercise, which I know, just means its one I should do more often.

A day in the life of a entrepreneur, you never know what tomorrow will bring, but one thing is for sure, it will be interesting and fun.

Some Good Stuff

2010-03-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

I had an interesting day yesterday, a call from CBC's Steven and Chris showing asking me to be on there fitness segment as a fitness model. It should be fun, the folks at CBC are really friendly and Steven and Chris are quite funny. My saucy sons let me know I could lose a few lbs before the show, nice...

A meeting with the writer of a column of a newspaper today to talk about the 9to5 Bra and the Wink Intimates line. The girl/woman I met with was so nice and such positive energy. She should bottle it and sell it, she'll be a millionare. I look forward to reading the article she writes.

A quick jaunt to the Eaton Centre to Sephora, they have some great new nail polish colours there. But I went for the Benefits Erase Paste, love that product, it really adds life and vibrance to skin and feels great, I've tried a few Benefits products and am enjoying them also.

Next stop Mac for mascara at the Mac counter in the Bay, the girls there were so pleasant. I love that.

I'd like to be sure to give a kind mention to anyone in any field who goes above and beyond what they have to do.

Oh yes, then there was the Apple store, my computer crashed last week and I lost all my purchased Itunes songs. I couldn't for the life of me figure out where to contact someone to get my music back. The guy at the Apple store was pleasant and got me all set up with a call back from Apple.

So, today was a great day filled with wonderful people and here's to an evening that is just as nice as the day has been.

Not sure where we're going but out for dinner.

Billie Blanks or _______?

2010-03-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

The thong, the boys shorts the full panty and then there's the shaping panties, which would you rather?

What type of undies you wear is something near and dear to each of us, is it the the thong, the boy short, the full panty, or the shaping panty? Each serves a purpose, the thong is great under something clingy or tight, and works well under anything a little sheer, the seamless thong works really well under anything. Some women never wear a thong, I think that's because they haven't given it a real shot or found the right thong for their body. When you find the right one and give it a chance, the thong can be more comfy than any other panty. No extra fabric to bunch up under your clothes, it sits where it should and doesn't move.

The boy short is very cute on its own, I think the cutest of all, flattering to many body types and a little sassy looking. Fabric and cut are crucial and quality in all undergarments is a must.

Hmmm, now the full panty. there are a great number of women who will have it no other way. The thought of a thong to these women is like a strange form of torture.

The full panty, if it has a nice high cut on the thigh and is made with a quality fabric is the perfect solution for comfort and also comes in seamless for flimsy dresses.

Then there's the undergarments that suck it all in and are designed to make you inches slimmer. The problem isn't wearing them, its getting into them and getting out of them. They don't look very attractive under your clothes. But there is a huge demand for them and women love how they transform their bodies. Many celebs confess to even doubling up on there slimming garment for super suction.

At Wink Intimates we carry the lacie boy short, the lacie thong and the boy short. They look cute and are a great match for the 9to5 Bra and 9to5 Shaper.

Any way you slice it, the decision is one that is often what your used to and chances are you won't change your mind no matter what anyone else tries to convince you of.

So, stick with what works, and as I as a personal trainer always say, I'd rather do Billie Blanks than ........you can fill in the blank. Don't want to talk trash.

Evening dresses and Bra Options

2010-03-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

Not to harp on the issue, but I watched an entertainment show last night, hi-lites from the Oscars. The guy asked a few women was it worth starving to get into those dresses and I don't recall them asking one man if they starved themselves to get into their tux? I'm just saying, why do we have to starve to look good, and do we really look better when we starve. I've got to think a little bit of bitchy comes along with starving. Some ladies said they couldn't wait to go eat a burger of some other junk food, I think they were just making a point. A better point would be I ate healthy all day and all week and I feel great. Exercise and good diet is the answer not starving oneself. A healthy body image is more beautiful than anything else, exude confidence with what you've got.

Wear flattering clothes, undergarments that enhance your figure, a colour that makes you glow and who cares what's hot and what's not, its what you feel amazing in.

Todays bra talk...backless solutions?

A beautful backless dress or top is great but do you go braless or what bra should you wear? I go with the tape from Shoppers Drug Mart. Its amazing what tape can do for a little hike up. There is also the cups that tape to your breasts, but being a D or E cup, they definitely don't work. I haven't tried the new bras that are backless and have a strap that wraps around your shoulder. Must try that to see if it is any better than the tape.

The ladies with curves hit it at the Oscars

2010-03-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

The day after the Oscars, some big surprises in the awards department. But don't most of us watch it for the gowns? So who hit a home run and who struck out. Every blog you read will have a different opinion, here's mine...

Miley Cirus, looked amazing loved the gown, age appropriate, well I suppose so, look at the young ladies going to prom, they are glammed and its a glam night, so I say home run for Miley.

Sandra Bullock, nice change from the strapless ballgowns, elegant, its true she did look a bit like an Oscar herself, but other than that, a total home run.

Jennifer Lopez, some might say a little over the top, but I loved it, the colour the shape and she filled it out beautifully. Home run for JLo.

What was with the mauve dress with white swirls around Charlize Theron's dress? Without the white swirls it was lovely, I guess it gave us something to talk about. The swirls made it a strike out.

Many people chose Sarah Jessica Parker as a best dressed, but I didn't love it, it was alright, but not a home run by any means.

Really they all looked great.

One comment in an interview on ABC with SJP that was a disappointment. The announcer said it was worth starving herself to look so good. WHAT!!! I completely disagree with him, I thought SJP looked like she needed a good meal, she looked starving, that's not attractive.

A greaat show, some women with beautiful curves looking healthy and vibrant, we don't need to celebrate starving women.

When choosing the model for Wink Intimates, I chose a beautiful shapely model who looks happy, healthy and vivacious.

2010-03-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

Fashionable Workout Wear

What to wear when you workout? Some women are happy in baggy sweats and a t shirt, some like the head to toe spandex look, some in between the two.Its nice to look nice when your working out, its also important to feel comfy.

So many of the cute workout shirts are too low cut for me and the end result is a little over the top. Yoga poses with your boobs ready to pop out is not only a distraction for others, but distracting for me. You can always go for the extra tank or sports bra under the top, but most tops have a built in bra and that's way too much bondage for a workout.

So, like the 9to5 Bra, I developed the 9to5 Shape, it also covers cleavage so you don't have to wear an extra layer when working out. I don't know who likes wearing extra layers, but I for one don't. Shelf bras on there own really just don't do the job.Its a new product for Wink Intimates and comes in black, nude and the floral as seen in the picture. Comes in bra sizes, because one size does not fit all when it comes to bras. 32B to 38E. Check it out at http://www.winkintimtes.com/

I had been looking for workout tops and could not find one that covered the cleavage but didn't cover everything. Who'd think cleavage could be such a problem, but it is, whether the cleavage is big or a little smaller, most of us don't want it all out there for workouts either.I'm always shopping for workout gear, working out 7 days a week, means you need to have plenty of workout wear and I like to look nice when I'm working out.

I'll continue to add new fabrics and add different shapes to the 9to5 Shape line, but the current model is a great basic for the gym or under a jacket or own its own with a pair of jeans.

Where'd this Wink idea come from?

2010-03-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

People wonder where the idea of the 9to5 Bra came from? As with most things, it came from a personal need.

When I was working I always needed to wear a tank under all my blouses, the buttons would always gape and you could get a little side view of boob in blouses. Many dresses were too low cut for work so I wouldn't wear them, wearing a tank under a dress just wasn't an option.

I went out on a hunt to find a bra that covered cleavage, not a sports bra, not an attachment for a bra that might fall off, but an honest to goodness bra that had the coverage I was looking for. After spending several months searching stores and going online looking, I decided if it wasn't out there I would make it.

That process wasn't as easy as I thought. It took two years of working on a prototype, production sample, writing patents and trademarks and naming the product. The name also took months, I came up with Wink Intimates as a company name, and really love it, but I also had to name the actual bra. While sitting with a friend (a male friend) trying to describe the bra and why I would create a bra that covered cleavage, I said to him, you know its the bra you wear from 9to5...maybe I'll make the 10to2 am later, the sexy push up bra. Still looking for a name a few days later, I thought why not call it the 9to5, because that's what it is, its the bra you wear from 9to5, whatever you do from 9to5 the 9to5 Bra has you covered. And so I have a name. Now to go to market and introduce this new concept to the world.

I've had a lot of press since I first launched one year ago. As I write this I double check my emails and guess what HAPPY BIRTHDAY WINK INTIMATES, TODAY IS THE 1 YEAR BIRTHDAY OR DO WE CALL IT ANNIVERSARY OF WINK INTIMATES?

Today is the day that we officially launched Wink Intimates, sent out the Media Release and we were off to the races.

I'm thankful for the media attention and on that note, here I begin another year. With great things on the horizon, Wink Intimates and the 9to5 Bra have begun the 2nd year of business with an official blog.

Thanks for coming by today.

2010-03-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

Todays the first blog entry, thanks for coming by to see what Winkbras has to say today. A day in the life at Wink Intimates.

Started off the day with a great Zumba class, fun workout, nice way to start a day.

Some pretty serious problems with our server today at www.winkintimates.com but I think we are getting things ironed out now. How much we rely on our website and email.

It was Rangers haircut day today, he has a wonderful stylist named Farah at Cherished Paws, Farah does a great job and is very kind to little Ranger. That's the most important thing. He just came home and looks cute as a button. Nice job Farah.

I've recently read that I shoud keep exclamation points to a minimum, so I will restrain myself, there's lots of places where I want to make a point, but really, for here on, when there is one, its going to be something well worth it.

Its a fabulous day in Toronto, sunny, feels like Spring, and what's better than Spring, nothing from my point of view, I love how Spring makes me feel. Alive, spirited and ready to do anything. Goodbye Winter, hello Spring and Summer.

Heading out to a weight training class, I make sure to fit in a couple of classes a day, keeps me fresh and its a must for me.

Oh yes, its my sisters birthday today, Happy Birthday to Donna! There you go I've done it and it was worth the exclamation for sure.....

At Winkbras, we'll chat about all things fashion, bras and undergarments, beauty solutions and great service, so if you want to share a story about any of these things, please do.

I love to commend people who go that extra mile in whatever they do. Finding those gems either in the drug store or department store or online.

Thanks for coming out and I'll be keeping you updated on all things Wink Intimates.